New updates for macOS and iOS

Apple has just released important security updates for both iOS and macOS, specifically addressing the Spectre chip vulnerability.

Make sure you update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 11.2.2 and your Macs to macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 to protect yourself from any Spectre exploits that may surface.

If you can recall, Apple also stated that it has already released mitigations and fixes for the other flaw, Meltdown, in earlier updates. Note: The Apple Watch is not affected by Meltdown nor Spectre.

Having the latest patches will then protect your iOS and macOS gadget from both Meltdown and Spectre.

According to the company's analysis, although Spectre is difficult to exploit on a Mac or iOS device, it can potentially be initiated via JavaScript running on a web browser so these updates include Safari fixes. According to Apple's test, these fixes don't have a significant impact on Safari's performance.

Apple will also continue developing and testing further protections against these critical chip flaws and release them in future updates for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS so keep an eye on those and update as soon as they roll out.

For now, Apple said that although Macs and iOS devices can be affected by the flaws, "there are no known exploits impacting customers at this time."

Since exploiting these chip flaws require malicious code running on your Mac or iOS gadget, Apple recommends downloading software and apps only from trusted sources like the App Store.

How to Update:

Here's how you update your Apple gadgets:

iOS

Go to your "Settings" app and select "General." From there, select "Software Update" and your device will begin to check for updates. Then select "Download and Install" to get the latest version.

To get the update from iTunes, connect your device to a computer, open iTunes, and select your device from the menu in your iTunes Library. Select "Summary" and then click on "Check for Update." Finally, select "Download and Update" and wait for the update to sync to your device.

Macs

To get macOS updates, click the Apple icon on the taskbar (top-left corner of your screen), then click "About This Mac" then click "Software Update" on the window that appears. Alternatively, you can use the Updates pane of the Mac App Store to check for the latest Mac software updates.

Apple TV

Apple Watch

For watchOS, you will need to connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone. Once connected, open the Watch app on your iPhone, select General and Software Update to access the update. Make sure your Apple Watch is in range of your Wi-Fi connected iPhone and it is charged to at least 50 percent.

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